• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Winter-Care-of-Rhododendron.jpg

Winter Care of Rhododendron

I have two Rhododendron plants I need to get ready for winter.  I know that I have to cover them for winter but do I need to cut the plants back before doing that?  If so, how far back?

Your rhododendrons have already formed their flower buds for next spring.  Do not prune these until after they bloom next spring.  And only prune after flowering if you need to shape or control the size of these plants.  Shelter these and other broadleaf or sensitive evergreens from the winter wind and sun.  Use a screen of burlap or lattice or a cylinder of hardware cloth sunk into the ground and then filled with evergreen boughs or straw after the ground freezes.  

Related

Upcoming
Events & Webinars


Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference 
(registration is closed)
La Crosse, WI

Oct. 22, 2026
Growing Flavorful Herbs
& Veggies Indoors 

Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
More information

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS 

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Sign up for Melinda's free newsletter for a chance to win 1 bag of Summit Mosquito Bits
and Summit Sticky Traps

ENTER NOW